The stage is set for an epic clash as Ghana and Nigeria gear up for the qualifiers of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Togolese referee Aklesso Gnama as the match official for the first leg, which is scheduled to take place on December 22, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Gnama will be supported by compatriots Jonathan Ahonto Koffi (assistant referee 1), Wassiou Tchamolla Ourotou (assistant referee 2), and Kossi Fabrice Senyo (fourth official).
The second leg, slated for December 28, 2024, will be officiated by Moroccan referee Hamza El Fariq at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. El Fariq will be joined by assistant referees Abdessamad Abertoune and Zakaria Bouchtaoui, with Hicham Temsamani serving as the fourth official.
This highly anticipated encounter revives the age-old rivalry between the two West African football powerhouses. Nigeria’s Super Eagles B will be seeking to end their CHAN qualification drought against Ghana, having been eliminated by the Black Galaxies in both the 2009 and 2023 qualifiers.
The aggregate winner of this two-legged tie will secure a place in the CHAN finals, set to take place in February 2025 across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This tournament will also serve as a curtain-raiser for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
With pride, bragging rights, and a CHAN spot on the line, both teams are expected to bring their best to the pitch in this high-stakes showdown.